Yapton traders fear jobs loss due to housing

They are worried jobs could be lost if the Bilsham Industrial Estate disappears under bulldozers to make way for new homes.

The estate, off Bilsham Road, provides space for three companies and some 20 workers.

But the land comprises a third of the area which development company Gladedale wants to use for an estate of 59 houses. It is believed to have formally submitted its planning application for the scheme to Arun District Council on Tuesday.

The potential loss of the commercial site has left the company owners facing an uncertain future.

Marion Jurgelewicz runs Sussex Plastics with her three sons. The business has been established on the estate for 16 years and has grown to occupy seven units. It provides jobs for 15 people.

Many live within walking distance; the firm is actively involved in the community, and has sponsored the local football team.

The company was started and built up by Marion's husband, who died recently. She said: 'He really loved this place and I am sure that he would fight to keep the business here.'

She said she was concerned about the future of the firm and its employees, as a forced move to new premises could cost her firm financially and commercially. She cited road safety concerns as another reason to oppose the proposals.

Mowercare owner Graham Allen also spoke about the risks posed by more traffic on Bilsham Road.

He said: 'You take your life into your own hands leaving the estate. People completely ignore the 40mph limit and come racing round the corner.'

He has established his business on the estate over the past five years and bought it two years ago with the intention of expanding on the site and employing local people.

But this will be stopped if the housing goes ahead. 'This development could put local people out of work,' he stated.

Brian Church has run Brian's Removals on the estate for the past nine years. He has spent time and money improving the exterior of his facilities.

'My units look directly at the houses in Graham Road,' he explained. 'I always make sure it's clean and tidy. We have a really good relationship with local residents.

'I have spent a long time building up this business. I'm 50 now. I don't want to have to start again.'

Until recently, Dave Ayling was the village blacksmith operating on the estate. He moved in there during 1982.

'I enjoyed my time there. If it was not for some health issues, I would still be there. Unfortunately, I can no longer afford to stay. I may have left but I will continue to support my old friends,' he commented. 'This estate offers a livelihood to many people. 'There are few local areas left that can still say this.'

No one on the estate has been directly approached about the redevelopment proposals.

Gladedale has described the estate as having accumulated industrial occupiers in '˜a rather haphazard manner and which, consequently, occupy a range of accommodation, which is rather poor in appearance...'